Method and film system for producing a personalised, optically variable element

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a process for the production of a personalised, optically variable element having polarising properties, and a film system for carrying out the process. To produce the optically variable element a film body which comprises two or more layers and which has an LCP layer comprising a liquid crystal material is applied to a substrate body which has an orientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals. The orientation layer of the substrate body is personalised prior to application of the film body to the substrate body. The film body is then applied to the personalised orientation layer of the substrate body in such a way that the LCP layer of the film body lies on the personalised orientation layer of the substrate body for then orientation of liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the film body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/DE2004/002018 filed Sep. 9, 2004, which claimspriority based on German Patent Application No. 103 42 674.4, filed Sep.16, 2003, which are both incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a process for the production of a personalised,optically variable element with polarising properties, and a film systemcomprising a substrate body and a film body for providing apersonalised, optically variable element having polarising properties.

EP 1 227 347 A1 describes a production process for a personalised,optically variable element having polarising properties.

That process provides for printing on to a substrate by means of an inkjet printer a first orientation layer which can be aligned in a givenorientation direction by irradiation with polarised light. A layercomprising a liquid crystal material is then applied to the orientationlayer by means of an ink jet printer, and conditions are afforded underwhich the liquid crystal material is aligned. The liquid crystal layeris then hardened with UV light.

In order to produce personalised regions having different polarisationproperties, the orientation layer comprising a photopolymer and thelayer comprising a liquid crystal material are applied only inregion-wise manner, under the control of a computer, in respectiveindividual regions, to the substrate layer using the ink jet printer. Inaddition the following procedure is proposed for that purpose:

A first orientation layer is printed on the substrate in pattern form bymeans of the ink jet printer. The substrate is then irradiated withlinearly polarised light, thereby achieving suitably uniform orientationof the photopolymer layer in pattern form. A second photopolymer layeris then applied in accordance with a second pattern with the ink jetprinter and then irradiated with linearly polarised light. Thepolarisation directions of the first and second radiation differ so thatthe result afforded is orientation layers involving differentorientations, which are arranged in mutually superposed relationship.That multiple coating procedure in combination with a configuration, ofsuitable pattern shape, of the individual polymer layers which arearranged in mutually superposed relationship makes it possible toproduce regions involving different orientations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is now to improve the production ofa personalised, optically variable element having polarising properties.

That object is attained by a process for the production of apersonalised, optically variable element having polarising properties,wherein to produce the optically variable element a film body whichcomprises two or more layers and which has an LCP layer comprising aliquid crystal material is applied to a substrate body which has anorientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals, wherein theorientation layer of the substrate body is personalised prior toapplication of the film body to the substrate body, and wherein the filmbody is applied to the personalised orientation layer of the substratebody in such a way that the LCP layer of the film body lies on thepersonalised orientation layer of the substrate body for orientation ofliquid crystals of the LCP layer of the film body. The object of theinvention is further attained by a film system comprising a substratebody and a film body, wherein the film body of the film system comprisestwo or more layers and has an LCP layer comprising a liquid crystalmaterial, wherein the substrate body of the film system has anorientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals, and whereinthe film body after personalisation of the orientation layer of thesubstrate body is applied to the personalised orientation layer in sucha way that the LCP layer of the film body lies on the personalisedorientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals of the LCPlayer of the film body.

The invention achieves the advantage that inexpensive, decentralpersonalisation of LC security elements (LC=liquid crystal) is madepossible. Personalisation of optical security elements is possible in adecentral mode at a low level of apparatus complication and expenditure,in which case at the same time a personalised, optically variablesecurity element is produced, which in terms of its copying safeguard,resistance to abrasion wear and handleability, is equal in every way toan optically variable security element manufactured in mass production.Further advantages are achieved by virtue of the fact that apparatuseswhich are already in existence for the decentral personalisation ofsecurity elements can be used at a low level of refitment complicationand expenditure for carrying the process according to the invention intoeffect, thereby achieving further cost advantages.

Advantageous configurations of the invention are set forth in theappendant claims.

The film body preferably has a carrier layer and a physically dried butnot yet cross-linked LCP layer. That guarantees that the processaccording to the invention takes place quickly and smoothly. Immediatelyafter application of the film body to the substrate body, it is possibleto effect alignment of the liquid crystal material of the LCP layer ofthe film body to the personalised orientation layer of the substratebody. For that purpose preferably the LCP layer of the film body isliquefied after application of the film body by thermal heating so thatalignment of the liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the film body tothe personalised orientation layer of the substrate body takes place. Asthe non-cross-linked physically dried LCP layer is sticky, a bondbetween the film body and the substrate body can be achieved by way ofadhesion.

After alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the LCP layer the LCPlayer is fixed for example by means UV hardening. Thermallycross-linkable systems or systems which are liquefied under the effectof temperature are also a possibility.

In that respect further advantages can be achieved if the orientationlayer of the substrate body has UV-functional groups. After fixing ofthe LCP layer by UV hardening those groups provide for an even strongerbond, for example by chemical bonding, between the film body and thesubstrate body.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the substratebody has one or more further layers which generate optical securityfeatures. Layers of that kind can have for example diffractivestructures which afford optical-diffraction security features, forexample holograms. In addition those layers can be thin film layerswhich provide colour shifts which are dependent on the viewing angle, bymeans of interference phenomena. In that case, besides the substratebody, the film body or the substrate body and the film body may alsohave such layers.

The safeguard against forgery of the optically variable security elementis greatly improved by those additional layers which are preferablyarranged above the LCP layer, that is to say between the viewing personand the LCP layer. The security elements can no longer be copied orimitated by simple apparatuses, for example an ink jet printer and a UVlamp with polariser. The security standard is particularly high in thatrespect if both the substrate body and also the film body have layers ofthat nature. The personalised security feature is thus protected on bothsides and any attempt at manipulating a security element influences oneof the other security elements and is thus apparent.

A particularly high degree of security is afforded in that case if thesubstrate body and the film body each have one or more further layerswhich generate mutually supplemental optical security features.

The orientation layer of the substrate body can be personalised byvarious measures.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous in that respect for theorientation layer of the substrate body to be personalised by partialprinting on the orientation layer. That printing operation causes thegrooves of the orientation layer to be partially filled so that noorientation of the LCP layer takes place in the printed region. Thatprocedure enjoys the advantage that the apparatus complication andexpenditure for personalisation of the orientation layer is particularlylow. In addition in that way a plurality of apparatuses which arealready available can be easily used again, at a low level ofmodification expenditure, for the production of personal documents (forexample data cards).

A further advantageous possible option for personalisation involvespersonalising the orientation layer of the substrate body by partialtransfer of a differently oriented orientation layer on to theorientation layer of the substrate body. On the orientation layer, thatresults in regions involving a different orientation, whereby quitecomplex personalised security features can be produced.

Further possible ways of personalising the orientation layer involvepersonalising the orientation layer by partial mechanical removal of theorientation layer, by laser ablation, by partial thermal deformation ofthe orientation layer, by partial replication of a relief structure inthe orientation layer or by partial exposure of the orientation layer.

It is particularly advantageous to use a stamping film, laminating filmor sticker film as the film body. A film of that kind can be applied tothe substrate for example by means of a conventional hot stamping orlaminating process. The use of films of that kind as the film bodyensures that the process can be quickly and reliably carried intoeffect. In addition apparatuses which are already in existence, forexample laminating apparatuses, can be used again.

It is also possible to use a stamping, laminating or sticker film as thesubstrate body, thereby affording the above-indicated advantages. Inthat respect it has proven to be advantageous for the stamping,laminating or sticker film forming the substrate body to be appliedprior to application of the film body to the substrate body, to asecurity element, for example a passport, a banknote, a charge card or aticket.

In the simplest case however it is also possible for the substrate bodyto comprise for example a carrier layer forming a security document, andthe orientation layer which is (partially) applied thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described by way of example hereinafter by means of aplurality of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a process for the production of apersonalised, optically variable element,

FIG. 2 a shows a diagrammatic view of a film body,

FIG. 2 b shows a diagrammatic view of a substrate body,

FIG. 3 a shows a diagrammatic view of a substrate body with apersonalised orientation layer,

FIG. 3 b shows a sectional view of a transfer film for thepersonalisation of an orientation layer of a substrate body,

FIG. 3 c shows a diagrammatic view of a personalised orientation layer,

FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a substrate body with a film bodyapplied thereto,

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic view of an optically variable element,

FIG. 6 a shows a diagrammatic view of a film body for a furtherembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 b shows a diagrammatic view of a security document with asubstrate body for a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 a shows a diagrammatic view of a film body for a furtherembodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 7 b shows a diagrammatic view of a substrate body for a furtherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a process for the production of apersonalised, optically variable element comprising a plurality ofprocess steps 11 to 18. In this case the individual process steps 11 to18 are described hereinafter with reference to accompanying FIGS. 2 a to5. Process steps 11 to 14 represent process steps in a centralsub-process 1 and process steps 15 to 18 represent process steps in adecentral sub-process 2. The central sub-process 1 leads to theprovision of film bodies and substrate bodies, from which apersonalised, optically variable element is then generated in thedecentral sub-process 2.

The process steps of the central sub-process 1 are carried out inindustrial manufacturing procedures.

A film body 3 as shown in FIG. 2 a with three layers 31, 32 and 33 isproduced by means of the process steps 11 and 12. The film body 3 is astamping film. The film body 3 however can also be a laminating film ora sticker film.

The film body 3 has three layers 31, 32 and 33. The layer 31 is acarrier layer formed for example by a polyester film of a thickness of19 μm to 23 μm. The layer 32 is applied to the carrier layer 31 in theprocess step 11 for example by means of an intaglio printing process.The layer 32 is an LCP layer (LCP=liquid crystal polymers) comprising aliquid crystal material which hardens by radiation or otherwise. Theliquid crystal materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,698 A, U.S.Pat. No. 5,602,661 A, EP 0 689 084 A, EP 0 689 065 A1, WO 98/52077 andWO 00/29878 can be used as the liquid crystal material. Preferably inthat respect Merck RMM 129 or OPALVA® (Vantico-Basel) is used as theliquid crystal material for the layer 32.

In that respect the liquid crystal material is preferably applied to thecarrier film 31 in an application weight of 0.5 to 3 g/m². Then inprocess step 12 physical drying of the solvent-bearing LCP material ofthe layer 32 is effected. Drying is effected in that case for example ina drying passage at a temperature of 100 to 120° C.

It is also possible in that respect for the LCP layer 32 to be appliedto the layer 31 not over the full surface area but in a partialpattern-like configuration, by means of a suitably shaped intagliogravure cylinder. It is possible in that way to already provide in theLCP layer which has not yet been personalised, a complex pattern whichcan serve as an additional security feature.

The layer 33 is then applied to the dried layer 32. The layer 33 is asilicone paper which protects the sticky surface of the LCP layer 32.

It is also possible to provide a release and/or protection lacquer layerbetween the layers 31 and 32, to ensure better release of the carrierlayer 31 from the LCP layer 32 or physical protection for the layer 32.

A substrate body 4 shown in FIG. 2 b is produced by means of the processsteps 13 and 14. The substrate body 4 is a sticker film which naturallycan have still further layers. The substrate body 4 however can also bea stamping or laminating film.

The substrate body 4, that is to say the layer 42, can also be alreadydirectly structured (for example by laser ablation). In addition thesubstrate body 4 can also be formed by a PCV card.

The substrate body 4 has an orientation layer 41 with a relief structure40 and a carrier layer 42.

The carrier layer 42 is for example a PET or BOPP film of a layerthickness of 10 μm to 50 μm. The orientation layer 41 is applied to thecarrier film 42 in the process step 13 over the full surface area, forexample with an intaglio gravure cylinder.

The layer 41 is a replication layer in which the relief structure 40 isembossed by means of a stamping tool. The layer 41 in that casepreferably comprises a transparent thermoplastic material. For examplethe replication lacquer used for the layer 31 is of the followingcomposition:

Component Parts by weight High-molecular PMMA resin 2000 Silicone alcyl,oil-free 300 Non-ionic wetting agent 50 Low-viscosity nitrocellulose 750Methyl ethyl ketone 1200 Toluene 2000 Diacetone alcohol 2500

That replication layer is applied for example by means of a line gridintaglio printing cylinder in an application weight of 2.2 g/m² afterdrying. Drying is effected in the drying passage at a temperature of 100to 120° C.

Now, in process step 14, the relief structure 40 serving for orientationof liquid crystals is embossed in the layer 41 at about 130° C. by meansof a die comprising for example nickel. When stamping the reliefstructure 40 the die is preferably electrically heated. Prior to uponlifting off the die from the layer 41 after the stamping operation thedie can be cooled down again. After the operation of stamping the reliefstructure 40 the replication lacquer hardens by cross-linking or in someother fashion.

Here for example the relief structure 40 comprises a plurality ofparallel grooves which are arranged in mutually juxtaposed relationshipand which permit orientation of liquid crystal molecules. In this casethe spatial frequency of the relief structure 40 is preferably 300 to3000 lines/mm and the profile depth of the grooves is preferably 200 nmto 600 nm.

It is however also possible for the orientation layer 41 to be formed byan exposed photopolymer layer. In principle it is possible for thatpurpose to use all photopolymers whose orientation properties can beestablished by irradiation with polarised light. Examples of suchphotopolymers (LPP=Linearily Photopolymerisized Polymeres) are describedfor example in EP 0 611 786 A, WO 96/10049 and EP 0 763 552 A. Inaddition the photopolymers described in EP 1 227 347 A1 can also be usedfor that purpose.

The photopolymer layer is applied to the carrier layer 42 in the processstep 13 by means of a wet-chemical process. Preferably in that case theoperation of applying the photopolymer layer is effected by means of anintaglio printing process. The photopolymer layer is then dried andexposed with polarised UV light in the process step 14 so that therelief structure 40 is produced in the orientation layer 41, whichpermits orientation of liquid crystal molecules.

In this case it is also possible for the orientation layer 41 to bealready printed in a pattern configuration on the carrier layer 42 inorder in that way to already apply a complex pattern operating as afurther security feature to the orientation layer 41, prior topersonalisation of the orientation layer. In addition it is alsopossible to achieve an effect of that kind by suitable recess shaping ofthe relief structure 40.

A personalised, optically variable element is now produced in thedecentral sub-process 2 decentrally and with the assistance of simpleapparatuses by means of the substrate body 4 and the film body 3.

For that purpose the orientation layer 41 of the substrate body 4 ispersonalised in the process step 15.

A first possible way of personalising the orientation layer 41 isdescribed hereinafter with reference to FIG. 3 a:

FIG. 3 a shows the substrate body 4 with the carrier layer 42 and theorientation layer 41. Applied region-wise to the orientation layer 41 isa print layer 43 which fills up the grooves of the relief structure 40.Coloured or colourless printing of that kind, for example by means of aTTF printer or an ink jet printer, provides that regions of theorientation layer 41 are covered or extinguished by filling inspecifically targeted fashion. No alignment of the liquid crystalmaterial later occurs in the regions of the photopolymer which aredeactivated by the printing or in the surface structure regions whichare filled by the printing so that isotropic distribution of the liquidcrystal molecules prevails in those regions. Under the polariser,‘YES/NO’ information is obtained in the non-printed regions by virtue ofthe orientation of the liquid crystal material, while in the regionswhich are deactivated or filled by printing the liquid crystals do notinvolve any preferred orientation and thus do not have any opticallyactive information.

Personalisation of the orientation layer 41 can be effected in a similarmanner by the orientation layer 41 being partially (in part) removed.Thus in the process step 15 the relief structure 40 can be partiallyremoved for example by means of a milling head or other,material-removing tool, thereby subsequently producing in the region ofmaterial removal isotropic distribution of the liquid crystal moleculesand thus extinction of the optical information. Extinction of that kindcan also be achieved by thermal removal, for example by means of alaser.

A further possible option involves partially retro-shaping the reliefstructure 40 by partial thermal processing of the surface of theorientation layer 41, and thus partially extinguishing the liquidcrystal-orienting properties of the relief structure.

In addition it is also possible to use an LPP layer which is not exposedor only partially exposed, as the orientation layer 41, and then topersonalise that layer in process step 15 by means of one or moreexposure steps. In that case that process can also be combined with theprocess described in relation to FIG. 3 a so that for example aphotopolymer layer which is not exposed or only partially exposed isfirstly printed upon with a layer preventing subsequent orientation bycoating, and is then irradiated with polarised light.

In addition it is possible for the relief structure 40 of theorientation layer 41 to be partially cancelled by means of a stampingpunch. Besides straightforward extinction of the relief structure 40that stamping punch can additionally also emboss a new relief structurewhich is of a different orientation, in the orientation layer 41. It isthen also possible in that way to produce regions with liquid crystalmolecules of a different orientation.

If necessary an LC-based with contrast change can also be generated bycombination with a retarder layer which has polarising properties. Inthat case the retarder layer can be part of the substrate body and forexample can be arranged directly beneath the orientation layer 41. Itcan also be part of the part of the film body 30, which remains on thesubstrate body, and can be arranged for example directly above the LCPlayer 32.

The retarder layer is formed for example by an additional, suitablyoriented and fixed LC layer. The retarder layer however can also be alayer of a suitable carrier material which exhibits birefringence forpolarised light, that is to say it has different refractive indices independence on direction. Thus the retarder layer can for example also beformed by the carrier layer 42 if the latter is made from a suitablematerial. Furthermore the retarder layer can also be made from anothermaterial which has polarising or polarisation-dependent properties.

The polarisation effect generated by the oriented LC layer 32 and thepolarisation effect generated by the retarder layer are superimposed sothat, in the regions in which the LC layer 32 does not have anypolarising properties by virtue of the personalisation of theorientation layer 41, polarisation of the light is determined by theretarder layer, and otherwise polarisation of the light is determined bythe properties of the retarder layer and the LC layer 32. Thepolarisation direction of the retarder layer is now preferably soselected that it is at a 45° angle relative to the orientation layer ofthe liquid crystal molecules. The additional retarder layer which isdisposed for example in the form of a transparent overlay over thepartially oriented LC layer provides that optically active information(‘light/dark’ effect) is also generated in the regions of theorientation layer, which are deactivated by personalisation. Inconjunction with the ‘YES/NO’ information by the LC layer, thattherefore affords an LC-based element which, viewed with a polariser,with rotation of the polariser, exhibits a contrast change. In that casethe LC elements which are combined with a retarder layer can be of areflective or transmissive nature.

A further possible form of personalisation of the orientation layer 41is now described with reference to FIGS. 3 b and 3 c. In that respect,in the process shown in FIGS. 3 b and 3 c, individual orientation of theorientation layer 41 is achieved by partial transfer of a further,already pre-oriented photopolymer layer or replication layer on to theorientation layer 41.

FIG. 3 b shows a transfer film 44 with a carrier 46, a release layer 47,a replication layer 48 and an adhesive layer 49.

The carrier 46 comprises a carrier film 461 and a replication lacquerlayer 462 with a replicated structure.

The replication layer 41 is shaped for example like the replicationlayer described with reference to FIG. 2 b and has an embossed reliefstructure which permits orientation of liquid crystal molecules. Theadhesive layer 49 is for example a thermally activatable adhesive. Thetransfer film 44 is now applied partially to the orientation layer 41for example by means of a suitable stamping punch. Thus FIG. 3 c showsthe substrate body 4 with the orientation layer 41, to which thetransfer film is applied, in regions 45, in an orientation which isperpendicular to the orientation of the orientation layer 41 and in aregion 50, in a direction which is turned through 45° relative to theorientation of the orientation layer 41. The carrier film 46 is removedafter application of the transfer film 44 so that in the regions 45 and50 the relief structure of the replication layer 48 forms the operativesurface structure. As can be seen from FIG. 3 c, regions involving adiffering orientation of the orientation layer can be individuallyproduced by partial application of that kind of a further orientationlayer. In that way it is also possible to produce images with contrastreversal.

Instead of a replication layer with an embossed relief structure it willbe appreciated that it is also possible to use an exposed photopolymerlayer for the layer 48.

The film body 3 is now applied to the substrate body 4 in the processstep 16. For that purpose the protection layer 33 comprising siliconepaper is pulled off the film body 3 and then the remaining film body iscounter-laminated on to the substrate body 44. The good adhesivecapability of the physically dried LCP layer 32 here already affords astable join between the substrate body and the film body without furthermeasures being involved. FIG. 4 shows the film body which is affordedafter implementation of process step 16. The film body has the carrierlayer 42, the orientation layer 41 with the partial print layer 43, theLCP layer 32 and the carrier layer 31.

Now, heat is supplied to the multi-layer body shown in FIG. 4 in processstep 17 in order to effect orientation of the liquid crystal moleculesof the LCP layer 32 at the personalised orientation layer 41. The LCPlayer 32 liquefies under the application of heat so that alignment ofthe liquid crystal molecules of the LCP layer 32 can take place at thepersonalised orientation layer 41.

The LCP layer 32 which is now oriented is exposed with UV light throughthe carrier layer 31 in the process step 18. Preferably UV light in awavelength range of 280 to 365 nm is used for the exposure operation.That UV exposure provides for UV fixing of the liquid crystal material.

In that case the carrier prevents inhibition by oxygen so that radiationhardening which is usually necessary when dealing with LCPs under inertconditions is eliminated.

After UV fixing of the LCP layer 32 the carrier layer 31 is pulled offthe multi-layer body, thus giving the optically variable element 51shown in FIG. 5 with the carrier layer 42, the personalised orientationlayer 41 with the partial print layer 43 and the oriented LCP layer 32.

It is also possible for the carrier layer 31 to be left on the LCP layer32 and to serve for example as a protection layer for protecting the LCPlayer 32.

Further embodiments of a film system according to the invention will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b.

FIG. 6 a shows a film body 6 having a carrier layer 61 and a transferlayer 62 which has a release and protection lacquer layer 63, areplication layer 64, an LCP layer 65 and a protection layer 66. Thecarrier layer 61, the LCP layer 65 and the protection layer 66 are likethe layers 31, 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 2 a.

The layer 64 is a replication layer in which a diffractive structure 67is embossed region-wise. In this case the materials used for the layers64 and 65 differ in respect of their refractive index so that atransparent, optical-diffraction security feature is produced by thediffractive structure 67. Thus it is possible for example for a hologramor a Kinegram® to be produced by the diffractive structure 67.

FIG. 6 b shows a security document 72 formed for example by a (printed)plastic and/or paper body. A security document of that kind can be usedfor example as a pass, identity card, corporate identity card, creditcard, charge card or ticket.

In addition FIG. 6 b shows a substrate body 71 which is applied to thesecurity document 72. The substrate body 71 has a carrier layer 73, arelease layer 74, an orientation layer 75, a replication layer 76, areflection layer 77 and an adhesive layer 78.

The carrier layer 73 is like the carrier layer 31 shown in FIG. 2 a. Theorientation layer 75 is like the orientation layer 41 shown in FIG. 2 b.The replication layer 76 is a replication layer in which a diffractivestructure 79 is partially formed. The reflection layer 77 comprises athin, vapour-deposited metal layer. Essentially chromium, aluminium,copper, iron, nickel, silver, gold or an alloy involving those materialscan be used as the material for the metal layer. Furthermore thereflection layer 77 can also be an HRI layer (HRI=high refractionindex).

Accordingly a reflective security element having an optical-diffractioneffect, for example a hologram or a Kinegram® is produced in the regionof the diffractive structure 79. It will be appreciated that it is alsopossible for the reflection layer 77 to be an only partial layer andthus for example to have in region-wise manner a transparent window formaking elements of the security document 72 visible.

The adhesive layer 78 comprises for example a layer of a thermallyactivatable adhesive.

Now, in the central sub-process, the film body 6 is produced byapplication of the release/protection lacquer layer 63 to the carrierlayer 61, applying a replication lacquer layer by printing, drying thereplication lacquer layer and replication of the diffractive structure67, applying the LCP layer 64 by printing and physical drying of the LCPlayer 65, and application of the protection layer 66. Now, in thedecentral sub-process, the substrate body 71 is applied to the securitydocument 72 (optionally after personalisation of the security document72). The carrier layer 73 together with the release layer 74 is thenpulled off the substrate body 71 and the orientation layer 75 ispersonalised, as described in the description relating to FIGS. 3 a to 3c. The protection layer 66 is then pulled off the film body 6 and thefilm body 6 is laminated with the layer 65 leading on to the layer 75 ofthe substrate body 71.

Further embodiments of film systems according to the invention will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.

FIG. 7 a shows a film body 8 with a carrier layer 81, an LCP layer 82, areplication layer 83, a reflection layer 84 and an adhesive layer 85.

The carrier layer 81, the LCP layer 82 and the replication layer 83 arelike the layers 61, 65 and 64 shown in FIG. 6 a. The reflection layer 84and the adhesive layer 85 are like the layers 77 and 78 in FIG. 6 b. Adiffractive structure 87 is shaped region-wise in the replication layer83 and affords a reflective optical security element.

FIG. 7 b shows a substrate body 9 which has a carrier layer 91, arelease and/or protection lacquer layer 92, a replication layer 93, anabsorption layer 94 and a spacer layer 95 of a thin film layer system,an orientation layer 96 and a protection layer 97. In this case thecarrier layer 91, the replication layer 93 and the orientation layer 96are like the layers 73, 76 and 75 shown in FIG. 6 b. In a region thereplication layer 93 has a diffractive structure 98 which, in the regionof the diffractive structure, generates a transparent security elementhaving an optical-diffraction effect. The thin film layer systemcomprises the absorption layer 94 and the spacer layer 95 and generatesa transparent optical security element which produces colour shiftswhich are dependent on viewing angle, by means of interference.

The film body 8 and the substrate body 9 are produced in the centralsub-process. Then, in the decentral sub-process, the substrate body 8 isglued with the adhesive layer 85 leading on to a security document. Thecarrier film 81 is then removed from the transfer layer. In thefollowing step the protection layer 97 is removed from the orientationlayer 96 of the substrate body 9 and personalised in accordance with oneof the processes described with reference to FIGS. 3 a to 3 c. Thesubstrate body 9 is then applied with the personalised orientation layer96 leading to the LCP layer 82 of the film body 8 and the substrate body9 is laminated on to the film body 8.

In that respect the optical security features produced by the structures87 and 88 having an optical-diffraction effect represent mutuallysupplemental optical security features. By way of example those twodiffractive structures produce adjacent regions of a common hologramrepresentation.

1. A process for the production of a personalised, optically variableelement having polarising properties, wherein to produce the opticallyvariable element a film body which comprises two or more layers andwhich has an LCP layer comprising a liquid crystal material is appliedto a substrate body which has an orientation layer for the orientationof liquid crystals, that the orientation layer of the substrate body ispersonalised prior to application of the film body to the substratebody, and that the film body is applied to the personalised orientationlayer of the substrate body in such a way that the LCP layer of the filmbody lies on the personalised orientation layer of the substrate bodyfor the orientation of liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the filmbody, wherein after the application of the film body to the personalisedorientation layer the LCP layer is liquefied, oriented and solidified,wherein the orientation layer of the substrate body is personalised bypartial printing on the orientation layer.
 2. A process for theproduction of a personalised, optically variable element havingpolarising properties, wherein to produce the optically variable elementa film body which comprises two or more layers and which has an LCPlayer comprising a liquid crystal material is applied to a substratebody which has an orientation layer for the orientation of liquidcrystals, that the orientation layer of the substrate body ispersonalised prior to application of the film body to the substratebody, and that the film body is applied to the personalised orientationlayer of the substrate body in such a way that the LCP layer of the filmbody lies on the personalised orientation layer of the substrate bodyfor the orientation of liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the filmbody, wherein after the application of the film body to the personalisedorientation layer the LCP layer is liquefied, oriented and solidified,wherein the orientation layer of the substrate body is personalised bypartial transfer of a differently oriented orientation layer on to theorientation layer of the substrate body.
 3. A process for the productionof a personalised, optically variable element having polarisingproperties, wherein to produce the optically variable element a filmbody which comprises two or more layers and which has an LCP layercomprising a liquid crystal material is applied to a substrate bodywhich has an orientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals,that the orientation layer of the substrate body is personalised priorto application of the film body to the substrate body, and that the filmbody is applied to the personalised orientation layer of the substratebody in such a way that the LCP layer of the film body lies on thepersonalised orientation layer of the substrate body for the orientationof liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the film body, wherein after theapplication of the film body to the personalised orientation layer theLCP layer is liquefied, oriented and solidified, wherein the orientationlayer of the substrate body is personalised by partial mechanicalremoval of the orientation layer.
 4. A process for the production of apersonalised, optically variable element having polarising properties,wherein to produce the optically variable element a film body whichcomprises two or more layers and which has an LCP layer comprising aliquid crystal material is applied to a substrate body which has anorientation layer for the orientation of liquid crystals, that theorientation layer of the substrate body is personalised prior toapplication of the film body to the substrate body, and that the filmbody is applied to the personalised orientation layer of the substratebody in such a way that the LCP layer of the film body lies on thepersonalised orientation layer of the substrate body for the orientationof liquid crystals of the LCP layer of the film body, wherein after theapplication of the film body to the personalised orientation layer theLCP layer is liquefied, oriented and solidified, wherein the orientationlayer of the substrate body is personalised by partial thermaldeformation of the orientation layer.
 5. A process according to claim 1,wherein the orientation layer of the substrate body is personalised byreplication of a relief structure into the orientation layer.
 6. Aprocess according to claim 1, wherein the orientation layer of thesubstrate body is personalised by exposure of the orientation layer. 7.A process according to claim 1, wherein alignment of the liquid crystalmaterial of the LCP layer of the film body is effected at thepersonalised orientation layer of the substrate body and wherein thealigned liquid crystal material of the LCP layer is then fixed.
 8. Aprocess according to claim 7, wherein the LCP layer of the film body isheated after application of the film body to the substrate body foralignment of the liquid crystals.
 9. A process according to claim 7,wherein a stamping film, laminating film or sticker film is used as thesubstrate body.
 10. A process according to claim 9, wherein the stampingfilm, laminating film or sticker film forming the substrate body isapplied to a security document prior to application of the film body tothe substrate body.
 11. A process according to claim 1, wherein thesubstrate body has a carrier layer forming a security document.
 12. Aprocess according to claim 1, wherein the film body used is a stampingfilm, laminating film or sticker film which is applied to the substratebody in a hot stamping or laminating process.
 13. A process for theproduction of a personalised, optically variable element havingpolarising properties, the process comprising: personalizing anorientation layer of a substrate body, the orientation layer beingcapable of orienting liquid crystal material; applying a film bodycomprising two or more layers and a LCP layer to the substrate body,wherein the LCP layer comprises a liquid crystal material, wherein saidpersonalizing step precedes said applying step, said applying stepincluding positioning the LCP layer directly onto the personalizedorientation layer; and orienting the liquid crystal material in the LCPlayer in response to said positioning step, whereby after theapplication of the film body to the substrate body, the LCP layer isliquefied, oriented and solidified.
 14. A process according to claim 13,wherein said personalizing step comprises partial printing on theorientation layer.
 15. A process according to claim 13, wherein saidpersonalizing step comprises partial transfer of a differently orientedorientation layer on to the orientation layer of the substrate body. 16.A process according to claim 13, wherein said personalizing stepcomprises partial thermal deformation of the orientation layer.